Vehicle security system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods

ABSTRACT

A vehicle security system, for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus, preferably includes at least one security function control circuit and associated interface for interfacing to the data communications bus. The system also includes a security system controller and associated interface for interfacing to the data communications bus, and a desired signal enabling circuit for enabling the security system controller to operate using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles. This, in turn, permits the security system controller to communicate with the at least one security function control circuit. The at least one vehicle function control circuit may be an engine control circuit, such as a starter control circuit, or at least one of an ignition and fuel control circuit. The vehicle function control circuit may also be a door lock control circuit.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/023,838 filed Feb. 13, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,460, which, inturn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/701,356 filed Aug. 22, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,551, the entiredisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to the field of security systems and, moreparticularly, to a security system and related methods for vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, preventtheft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to protectvehicle owners and occupants. A typical automobile security system, forexample, includes a central processor or controller connected to aplurality of vehicle sensors. The sensors, for example, may detectopening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows, and also movement of thevehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and microwave motiondetectors, vibration sensors, sound discriminators, differentialpressure sensors, and switches may be used as sensors. In addition,radar sensors may be used to monitor the area proximate the vehicle.

The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in theevent of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication maytypically be a flashing of the lights and/or the sounding of the vehiclehorn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel supply and/or ignitionpower may be selectively disabled based upon an alarm condition.

A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with thecontroller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitterstypically carried by the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori.The remote transmitter may be used to arm and disarm the vehiclesecurity system or provide other remote control features from apredetermined range away from the vehicle. Also related to remotecontrol of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 to Lambropoulouset al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle. Thekeyless entry system permits the user to remotely open the vehicle doorsor open the vehicle trunk using a small handheld transmitter.

Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to bedirectly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as thevehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle. In other words, aconventional vehicle security system is hardwired to various vehiclecomponents, typically by splicing into vehicle wiring harnesses or viainterposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number of electrical devicesin a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity of wiringharnesses has also increased. For example, the steering wheel mayinclude horn switches, an airbag, turn-signal and headlight switches,wiper controls, cruise control switches, ignition wiring, an emergencyflasher switch, and/or radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle,for example, may include window controls, locks, outside mirrorswitches, and/or door-panel light switches.

In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehiclemanufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring withinvehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs,and reduce complications which may arise when troubleshooting theelectrical system. For example, some manufacturers have adoptedmultiplexing schemes to reduce cables to three or four wires and tosimplify the exchange of data among the various onboard electronicsystems as disclosed, for example, in “The Thick and Thin of CarCabling” by Thompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp.42-45.

Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective andreliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for example,may require the development of low or error-free communications in whatcan be harsh vehicle environments. With multiplexing technology, thevarious electronic modules or devices may be linked by a single signalwire in a bus also containing a power wire, and one or more groundwires. Digital messages are communicated to all modules over the datacommunications bus. Each message may have one or more addressesassociated with it so that the devices can recognize which messages toignore and which messages to respond to or read.

The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks forvehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler isdescribed as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the enginecontroller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the theftalarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different vehicles mayinclude a transmission controller, a trip computer, an instrumentcluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an active suspensioncontroller, and a body controller for devices in the passengercompartment.

A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplexcommunications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al. discloses amultiplex bus system including a master control unit and a plurality ofreceiver-transmitter units connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pate. No.4,055,772 to Leung discloses a power bus in a vehicle controlled by alow current digitally coded Communications system. Other referencesdisclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems include, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.

Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networksincluding, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers “SurfaceVehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface”, SAEJ1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the “Surface VehicleInformation Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus MultiplexingNetwork for Class ‘A’ Applications”, SAE J2058, July 1990. Many othernetworks are also being implemented or proposed for communicationsbetween vehicle devices and nodes or controllers.

Unfortunately, conventional vehicle security systems for hardwiredconnection to vehicle devices, such as aftermarket vehicle securitysystems, are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a datacommunications bus. Moreover, a vehicle security system if adapted for acommunications bus and devices for one particular model, model year, andmanufacturer, may not be compatible with any other models, model years,or manufacturers. Other systems for remote control of vehicle functionsmay also suffer from such shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a vehicle security system and associatedmethod which is readily adapted or adaptable for installation in avehicle having a data communications bus.

This and other objects, advantages and features in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a vehicle security system for avehicle of a type including a data communications bus connecting aplurality of vehicle devices and preferably includes at least onesecurity function control circuit and associated interface forinterfacing to the data communications bus, and a security systemcontroller and associated interface for interfacing to the datacommunications bus. In addition the system also preferably includes adesired signal enabling circuit or means for enabling the securitysystem controller to operate using a desired set of signals for acorresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals fordifferent vehicles. This, in turn, permits the security systemcontroller to communicate with the at least one security functioncontrol circuit. For example, the at least one vehicle function controlcircuit may be an engine control circuit, such as a starter controlcircuit, or at least one of an ignition and fuel control circuit. Thevehicle function control circuit may also alternately be, oradditionally include, a door lock control circuit.

Accordingly, the desired signal enabling means permits the alarmcontroller to communicate with the vehicle security function controlcircuit, such as the engine control or door lock circuit via the datacommunications bus. The security system is thus advantageouslycompatible with many different types of vehicle data communicationsformats or protocols.

The desired signal enabling means may preferably include a memory forstoring a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles, andselecting means for selecting the desired set of signals from theplurality of different sets of signals. In one embodiment, the selectingmeans may comprise user selecting means for permitting a user to selectthe desired set of signals. In another embodiment, the selecting meansmay comprise determining means for determining the desired set ofsignals based upon signals on the data communications bus.

The memory may include device address memory means for storing aplurality of different sets of signals representative of differentdevice addresses for different vehicles. Alternatively, or in additionthereto, the memory may comprise protocol memory means for storing aplurality of different protocols for different vehicles.

In yet another embodiment, the desired signal enabling means maycomprise learning means for learning the desired set of signals. Forexample, the learning means may comprise downloading learning means forlearning the desired set of signals from another device, such as atemporarily connected portable laptop computer, and/or central station.In particular, the security system may interface to a cellular telephoneor satellite receiver and the desired set of signals may be downloadedfrom a central station, or may be downloaded from a computer temporarilyconnected to the security system. In another variation, the learningmeans may comprise bus learning means for learning the desired set ofsignals based upon signals on the data communications bus. The securitysystem, according to another aspect of the invention, may also interfacewith an existing vehicle controller or a communications bus node whichis operatively connected to the data communications bus.

A method aspect of the invention is for controlling a vehicle securityfunction for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus,and at least one security function control circuit and associatedinterface for interfacing to the data communications bus. The methodpreferably comprises the steps of: interfacing a security systemcontroller to the data communications bus, and enabling the securitysystem controller to operate using a desired set of signals for acorresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals fordifferent vehicles for permitting the security system controller tocommunicate with the at least one security function control circuit. Theat least one vehicle function control circuit may comprise an enginecontrol circuit. Alternately, or in addition, the security functioncontrol circuit may comprise a door lock circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle security system inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a remote transmitter of the vehiclesecurity system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a first embodimentof the vehicle security system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a second embodimentof the vehicle security system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a third embodimentof the vehicle security system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a fourth embodimentof the vehicle security system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a variation of thefourth embodiment of the vehicle security system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle security system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a remote keyless entry system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a remote engine starting systemin accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime and multiple primenotation are used in alternate embodiments to indicate similar elements.

Referring now to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 1, a vehiclesecurity system 10 according to one aspect of the invention is firstdescribed. The security system includes a controller 11 which, in turn,in the illustrated embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU)or microprocessor 12 operating under stored program control.

In the illustrated embodiment, a transmitter and receiver 13 areconnected to the CPU 12 for receiving signals from a remote transmitterand for transmitting signals to a remote unit, as will be described ingreater detail below. As would be readily understood by those skilled inthe art, the transmitter portion of the controller 11 may not be neededin some embodiments of the invention. An antenna 13 a is illustrativelyconnected to the transmitter and receiver 13.

In the illustrated embodiment, the CPU 12 is also operatively connectedto a memory (EEPROM) 14 and a data communications bus interface 15 whichprovides both input and output interfaces to various vehicle devices. Aswould be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the CPU 12 mayalternately or additionally have its own on-board memory.

The data communications bus interface 15 is illustratively connected tovarious vehicle input devices including: an ignition switch 20; a key inthe ignition sensor 21; two zone sensors 22 a, 22 b; conventional trunkhood and door pin sensors or switches 23, 24, and 25, respectively; anddoor lock switches 28. In addition, a pre-warn sensor 26 and valetswitch 27 also provide inputs to the controller 11 in the illustratedembodiment. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art,other inputs are also contemplated by the present invention and aregenerally described herein by the term sensor. In addition, an inputsignal may also be received from a remote transmitter 50 (FIG. 2).

The data communications bus interface 15 of the controller 11 may alsopreferably be connected to a plurality of output devices. The outputsmay include auxiliary relay outputs 30, such as for window control,remote starting, or a remote alarm indication, as would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art. A siren and/or lights 31, andgreen and red light emitting diodes (LEDs) 32, 33 for dashboard mountingare also illustratively connected to the controller 11. Other outputsmay be directed to a valet LED 34, a dome light 36, a central lock relayor lock control unit 41, a starter kill circuit 42, and an armed relayoutput 43. In addition, other outputs may be directed to one or more ofan audible tone generator 37, an alphanumeric display 44, a speechmessage annunciator 45, and a vibration transducer 46, as will bereadily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Other similarindicating devices are also contemplated by the present invention, aswould be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Some of theillustrated devices may be hardwired to various control nodes as wouldbe readily understood by those skilled in the art. The control nodes maybe connected by the data communications bus as would also be known tothose skilled in the art.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2, a remote transmitter 50 inaccordance with the invention is described. The remote transmitter 50illustratively includes a housing 51 and a plurality of first momentarycontact switches 52 a-52 d carried by the housing. A second momentarycontact switch 53 and an indicating light, such as the illustrated LED54 are also carried by or mounted on the housing 51. As would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art, the remote transmitter 50 istypically relatively small and includes an opening 55 for facilitatingconnection to a vehicle key ring, for example. In addition, the remotetransmitter 50 includes a central processing unit or microprocessor 56operatively connected to the plurality of first switches 52 a-52 d, thesecond switch 53, and the LED 54. The microprocessor is also connectedto a transmitter and/or receiver circuit 57 and its associated antenna57 a for transmitting and/or receiving signals to and from thecontroller 11 of the vehicle security system 10. Accordingly, the term“remote transmitter” is used broadly herein to describe the embodimentalso including receiver means.

The remote transmitter 50 may also include a numeric or alphanumericdisplay 58, and a speaker 59 coupled to an audible tone generator or aspeech message generator, as may be provided by the microprocessor 56. Avibration transducer, not shown, may also be incorporated into theremote transmitter 50 for communicating to the user as would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art.

Of course, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,the remote transmitter may be a central station, for example, ratherthan a handheld unit 50 as shown in FIG. 2. Also the remote transmittermay include a handheld unit that communicates first to a centralstation. Other forms of remote transmitters are also contemplated by theinvention as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 3 a first embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 17 is described. The vehicle security system 10preferably comprises a vehicle security sensor and associated sensor businterface means 60 for interfacing the vehicle security sensor to thedata communications bus 62. The vehicle security system 10 alsopreferably includes an alarm indicator and associated alarm indicatorbus interface means 64 for interfacing the alarm indicator to the datacommunications bus. Examples of vehicle security sensors and alarmindicators are described above in greater detail with reference to FIG.1.

The security system 10 further preferably comprises desired signalenabling means 17 for enabling the alarm controller 10 to operate usinga desired set of signals for a desired vehicle from among a plurality ofpossible sets of signals for different vehicles. As would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art, the term different vehicles mayinclude vehicles from different manufacturers, different models, or evendifferent trim levels of the same make and model. Accordingly, thedesired signal enabling means 17 permits the alarm controller, that is,the security CPU and bus interface 65, to communicate with the vehiclesecurity sensor and the alarm indicator via the data communications bus62 so that the CPU is capable of operating the alarm indicatorresponsive to the vehicle security sensor.

The data communications bus 62 may preferably be a multiplexed data busas would be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the sensor bus interface means, the alarm bus interface means, and thealarm controller bus interface means may each comprise multiplexingmeans for interfacing with the multiplexed data bus of the vehicle. Forexample, any of the various multiplexing schemes as disclosed in “TheThick and Thin of Car Cabling” by Thompson appearing in the IEEESpectrum, February 1996, pp. 42-45 may be used. Other data busconnection schemes are also contemplated by the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the desired signal enablingmeans 17 may preferably include a memory 70 for storing a plurality ofsets 72 a, 72 b and 72 n of signals for different vehicles, andselecting means for selecting the desired set of signals from theplurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles. Bystoring sets of signals is meant storing information or data necessaryto generate the desired signals on the data bus 62 as would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art. The memory 70 may include deviceaddress memory means for storing a plurality of different sets ofsignals representative of different device addresses for differentvehicles. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the memory means maycomprise protocol memory means for storing a plurality of differentprotocols for different vehicles. One or more other control nodes andassociated bus interfaces 66 may also be connected to the datacommunications bus 62 as would also be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art. For example, other control nodes may include anengine controller thereby permitting the alarm controller to disable theengine, or the body controller thereby permitting the alarm controllerto control the vehicle door locks as would be readily understood bythose skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the selecting means maycomprise user selecting means 75 for permitting a user to select thedesired set of signals. A keypad or other input means may be used topermit the user to select the desired signal set for his vehicle. Thevalet switch 27 (FIG. 1), for example, may also be operated by the userto select the desired signal set. The user may select the desired set ofsignals by entering a unique digital code similar to the selection ofsignals for a home electronics universal remote control. Othertechniques for permitting the user to select the desired signal set froma plurality of stored sets are also contemplated by the invention aswould be readily appreciated by those Skilled in the art.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 4 another embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 17′ is described in accordance with the securitysystem 10′ of the present invention. In this embodiment, the selectingmeans may comprise bus determining means 77 for determining the desiredset of signals based upon signals on the data communications bus. Forexample, the bus determining means could determine the desired set ofsignals based upon sensed voltage levels or based upon the timing ofsignal pulses on the data communications bus 62. The other components ofthis embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 17′ are similar tothose described above with reference to FIG. 3 and need no furtherdescription.

Yet another embodiment of the security system 10″ according to theinvention is explained with reference to FIG. 5. In this illustratedembodiment the desired signal enabling means 17″ includes a desiredsignal set memory 81 operatively connected to the illustrated buslearning means 80. The bus learning means 80 may determine and store inthe signal set memory 81 the protocol and/or device addresses for thevehicle devices. For example, the bus learning means 80 may permit theuser to operate various vehicle devices and store a desired signal setbased thereon as would be readily understood by those skilled in theart. The other components of the desired signal enabling means 17″ aresimilar to those described above with reference to FIG. 3 and need nofurther description.

Still another embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 17′″ isexplained with reference to FIG. 6A. The desired signal enabling means17′″ includes a signal set memory 81 operatively connected to theschematically illustrated download learning means 84. The downloadlearning means 84 may include an interface connected to the illustratedvehicle cellular telephone 86 to permit learning or downloading of thedesired signal set from a remote or central monitoring and controlstation 88, for example. The desired signal set may also alternately belearned from the central station 88 through the satellite link providedby the satellite 110 and vehicle mounted satellite receiver 111 andassociated antennas. As would be readily understood by those skilled inthe art, the download learning means, as well as the other desiredsignal enabling leans may be implemented by software in the CPU 12 ofthe controller 11 or in a separate microprocessor or circuits.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 6B, another variation of programming,learning or downloading of the download learning means 84 is explained.In this variation the download learning means 84 is temporarilyconnected to a computer, such as the illustrated portable laptopcomputer 115. The connection, may be via a wire cable or wirelesscommunications link as will be readily understood by those skilled inthe art. Of course, the desired signal enabling means 17″″ in thisembodiment may be programmed in the vehicle or prior to installation inthe vehicle.

One implementation of the security system 10 is shown in FIG. 7 andincludes the vehicle security controller 11. The remote transmitter 50can switch the controller 11 between the armed and disarmed modes. Thecontroller 11 in the armed mode is capable of generating an alarmindication via the siren 31 (FIG. 1) and based upon the door switches 25(FIG. 1), for example. The communications are via the datacommunications bus 62, and are based upon the desired signal set fromthe desired signal enabling means 17.

The features and aspects described above may also be readily implementedinto other vehicle related systems, such as for performing remotecontrol functions. As shown in FIG. 8, the invention may be embodied ina remote keyless entry system 90 including a remote keyless entrycontroller 91 operated by a remote handheld transmitter 93. Thecontroller 91 communicates with the door lock motors 94 and illustratedtrunk release 96 via the data communications bus 62. The remote keylessentry system 90 also includes the desired signal enabling means 17 whichpermits the controller 91 to perform the desired door locking and trunkrelease remote control functions or operations as would also be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art. As would be readily appreciatedby those skilled in the art, any of the desired signal enabling meansdescribed herein and equivalent thereto may be used for the remotekeyless entry system 90 in accordance with the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 9, yet another vehicle associated remote controlfunction is illustrated and now explained. The remote engine startingsystem 100 includes a remote start controller 101 operable by a remotetransmitter 103. The remote controller 101 may communicate via the datacommunications bus 62 to enable the ignition and fuel systems 106 andcrank the engine starter 104. Various sensors may also be monitored aswould be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

A method aspect of the invention is for operating a vehicle securitysystem 10 for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus 62connecting a plurality of vehicle devices. The method preferablycomprises the steps of interfacing an alarm controller 11 to the datacommunications bus 62, and enabling the alarm controller to operateusing a desired set of digital signals for a desired vehicle from aplurality of possible sets of signals for different vehicles to therebypermit the alarm controller to communicate with at least one of avehicle security sensor 60 and an alarm indicator 64 via the datacommunications bus 62 (FIG. 3). Accordingly, the alarm controller iscapable of operating the alarm indicator responsive to the vehiclesecurity sensor and via the data communication bus.

Another method of the invention is for remotely controlling a vehiclefunction for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus 62connecting a plurality of vehicle devices, and a vehicle functioncontroller and associated bus interface means for interfacing thevehicle function controller to the data communications bus. The methodcomprising the steps of: enabling the vehicle function controller tooperate using a desired set of signals for a desired vehicle from aplurality of sets of signals for different vehicles for permitting thevehicle function controller to communicate via the data communicationsbus with at least one of the vehicle devices; and receiving a signal atthe vehicle from a remote transmitter so that the vehicle functioncontroller remotely controls a vehicle function responsive to the remotetransmitter.

Those of skill in the art will readily recognize the benefits andadvantages of the present invention for aftermarket security systems andother aftermarket systems for implementing remote control functionswherein compatibility with a potentially large number of differentprotocols and/or device addresses is desired. Of course, manymodifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to themind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe illustrated embodiments disclosed, and that the modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle security system for a vehicle ofa type including a data communications bus, said vehicle security systemcomprising: at least one security function control circuit andassociated interface for interfacing to the data communications bus; asecurity system controller and associated interface for interfacing tothe data communications bus; and desired signal enabling means forenabling said security system controller to operate using a desired setof signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of setsof signals for different vehicles for permitting said security systemcontroller to communicate with said at least one security functioncontrol circuit.
 2. A vehicle security system according to claim 1wherein said at least one security function control circuit comprises anengine control circuit.
 3. A vehicle security system according to claim2 wherein said engine control circuit comprises a starter controlcircuit.
 4. A vehicle security system according to claim 2 wherein saidengine control circuit comprises at least one of an ignition and fuelcontrol circuit.
 5. A vehicle security system according to claim 1wherein said at least one security function control circuit comprises adoor lock control circuit.
 6. A vehicle security system according toclaim 1 further comprising a receiver connected to said security systemcontroller; and wherein said security system controller selectivelyoperates said at least one security function control circuit based uponremote signals received by said receiver.
 7. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 6 further comprising a remote transmitter forgenerating the remote signals.
 8. A vehicle security system according toclaim 1 wherein said desired signal enabling means comprises: a memoryfor storing a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles; andselecting means for selecting the desired set of signals from theplurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles.
 9. Avehicle security system according to claim 8 wherein said selectingmeans comprises user selecting means for permitting a user to select thedesired set of signals.
 10. A vehicle security system according to claim8 wherein said selecting means comprises bus determining means fordetermining the desired set of signals based upon signals on the datacommunications bus.
 11. A vehicle security system according to claim 8wherein said memory comprises device address memory means for storing aplurality of different sets of signals for different device addresses.12. A vehicle security system according to claim 8 wherein said memorycomprises protocol memory means for storing a plurality of differentsets of signals for different protocols.
 13. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said desired signal enabling meanscomprises bus learning means for learning the desired set of signalsbased upon signals on the data communications bus.
 14. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 1 wherein said desired signalenabling means comprises download learning means for learning thedesired set of signals from a downloading device.
 15. A vehicle securitysystem according to claim 14 wherein said downloading learning meanscomprises means for learning the desired set of signals from a computertemporarily connected thereto.
 16. A vehicle security system accordingto claim 1 wherein said desired signal enabling means comprises protocolproviding means for providing a protocol for the desired vehicle.
 17. Avehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein said desired signalenabling means comprises device address providing means for providingdevice addresses for the desired vehicle.
 18. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 1 wherein further comprising a vehicle securitysensor and associated interface for interfacing to the datacommunications bus; and wherein said vehicle security system controlleroperates responsive to the vehicle security sensor.
 19. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 1 wherein further comprising avehicle alarm indicator and associated interface for interfacing to thedata communications bus; and wherein said vehicle security systemcontroller operates said alarm indicator.
 20. A vehicle security systemfor a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus, saidvehicle security system comprising: an engine control circuit andassociated interface for interfacing to the data communications bus; asecurity system controller and associated interface for interfacing tothe data communications bus; and desired signal enabling means forenabling said security system controller to operate using a desired setof signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of setsof signals for different vehicles for permitting said security systemcontroller to communicate with said engine control circuit.
 21. Avehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein said enginecontrol circuit comprises a starter control circuit.
 22. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 20 wherein said engine controlcircuit comprises at least one of an ignition and fuel control circuit.23. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 further comprising areceiver connected to said security system controller; and wherein saidsecurity system controller selectively operates said engine controlcircuit based upon remote signals received by said receiver.
 24. Avehicle security system according to claim 23 further comprising aremote transmitter for generating the remote signals.
 25. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 20 wherein said desired signalenabling means comprises: a memory for storing a plurality of sets ofsignals for different vehicles; and selecting means for selecting thedesired set of signals from the plurality of different sets of signalsfor different vehicles.
 26. A vehicle security system according to claim25 wherein said selecting means comprises user selecting means forpermitting a user to select the desired set of signals.
 27. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 25 wherein said selecting meanscomprises bus determining means for determining the desired set ofsignals based upon signals on the data communications bus.
 28. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 25 wherein said memory comprisesdevice address memory means for storing a plurality of different sets ofsignals for different device addresses.
 29. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 25 wherein said memory comprises protocol memorymeans for storing a plurality of different sets of signals for differentprotocols.
 30. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 whereinsaid desired signal enabling means comprises bus learning means forlearning the desired set of signals based upon signals on the datacommunications bus.
 31. A vehicle security system according to claim 20wherein said desired signal enabling means comprises download learningmeans for learning the desired set of signals from a downloading device.32. A vehicle security system according to claim 31 wherein saiddownloading learning means comprises means for learning the desired setof signals from a computer temporarily connected thereto.
 33. A vehiclesecurity system according to claim 20 wherein said desired signalenabling means comprises protocol providing means for providing aprotocol for the desired vehicle.
 34. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 20 wherein said desired signal enabling meanscomprises device address providing means for providing device addressesfor the desired vehicle.
 35. A vehicle security system for a vehicle ofa type including a data communications bus, said vehicle security systemcomprising: a door lock control circuit and associated interface forinterfacing to the data communications bus; a security system controllerand associated interface for interfacing to the data communications bus;and desired signal enabling means for enabling said security systemcontroller to operate using a desired set of signals for a correspondingdesired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for differentvehicles for permitting said security system controller to communicatewith said door lock control circuit.
 36. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 35 further comprising a receiver connected to saidsecurity system controller; and wherein said security system controllerselectively operates said door lock control circuit based upon remotesignals received by said receiver.
 37. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 36 further comprising a remote transmitter forgenerating the remote signals.
 38. A vehicle security system accordingto claim 35 wherein said desired signal enabling means comprises: amemory for storing a plurality of sets of signals for differentvehicles; and selecting means for selecting the desired set of signalsfrom the plurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles.39. A vehicle security system according to claim 38 wherein saidselecting means comprises user selecting means for permitting a user toselect the desired set of signals.
 40. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 38 wherein said selecting means comprises busdetermining means for determining the desired set of signals based uponsignals on the data communications bus.
 41. A vehicle security systemaccording to claim 38 wherein said memory comprises device addressmemory means for storing a plurality of different sets of signals fordifferent device addresses.
 42. A vehicle security system according toclaim 38 wherein said memory comprises protocol memory means for storinga plurality of different sets of signals for different protocols.
 43. Avehicle security system according to claim 35 wherein said desiredsignal enabling means comprises bus learning means for learning thedesired set of signals based upon signals on the data communicationsbus.
 44. A vehicle security system according to claim 35 wherein saiddesired signal enabling means comprises download learning means forlearning the desired set of signals from a downloading device.
 45. Avehicle security system according to claim 44 wherein said downloadinglearning means comprises means for learning the desired set of signalsfrom a computer temporarily connected thereto.
 46. A vehicle securitysystem according to claim 35 wherein said desired signal enabling meanscomprises protocol providing means for providing a protocol for thedesired vehicle.
 47. A vehicle security system according to claim 35wherein said desired signal enabling means comprises device addressproviding means for providing device addresses for the desired vehicle.48. A method for controlling a vehicle security function for a vehicleof a type including a data communications bus, and at least one securityfunction control circuit and associated interface for interfacing to thedata communications bus, the method comprising the steps of: interfacinga security system controller to the data communications bus; andenabling the security system controller to operate using a desired setof signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of setsof signals for different vehicles for permitting the security systemcontroller to communicate with the at least one security functioncontrol circuit.
 49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the at leastone vehicle function control circuit comprises an engine controlcircuit.
 50. A method according to claim 49 wherein the engine controlcircuit comprises a starter control circuit.
 51. A method according toclaim 49 wherein the engine control circuit comprises at least one of anignition and fuel control circuit.
 52. A method according to claim 48wherein the at least one vehicle function control circuit comprises adoor lock control circuit.
 53. A method according to claim 48 furthercomprising the steps of receiving remotely generated signals, andcausing the security system controller to selectively operate the atleast one security function control circuit based upon the receivedsignals.
 54. A method according to claim 48 wherein the step of enablingcomprises the steps of: storing in a memory a plurality of sets ofsignals for different vehicles; and selecting the desired set of signalsfrom the plurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles.55. A method according to claim 54 wherein the step of selectingcomprises permitting user selection of the desired set of signals.
 56. Amethod according to claim 54 wherein the step of selecting comprisesdetermining the-desired set of signals based upon signals on the datacommunications bus.
 57. A method according to claim 54 wherein the stepof storing in memory comprises storing a plurality of different sets ofsignals representative of different device addresses.
 58. A methodaccording to claim 54 wherein the step of storing in memory comprisesstoring a plurality of different sets of signals representative ofdifferent protocols.
 59. A method according to claim 48 wherein the stepof enabling comprises the step of learning the desired set of signalsbased upon signals on the data communications bus.
 60. A methodaccording to claim 48 wherein the step of enabling comprises the step ofdownloading the desired signals from a downloading device.